Rotary motion intermitter



c- 5, 1967 P. R. BESWICK ROTARY MOTION INTERMITTER 4 SheetsrSheet 1 Filed Oct. 21, 1965 1366- 1967 P. R. BESWICK ROTARY MOTION INTERMITTER 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 21, 1965 Dec. 5, 1967 P. R. BEsWlcK 3,355,956

ROTARY MOT ION I NTERMI TTER Filed 001:. 21, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Dec. 5, 1967 P. R. BESWICK 3,355,956

ROTARY MOTION INTERMITTER Filed 001;. 2]., 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Dec. 5, 1967 3,355,956 ROTARY MOTION INTERMITTER Paul Robert Beswick, 347 Main St., Saugus, Mass. 01906 Filed Oct. 21, 1965, Ser. No. 499,693 6 Claims. (Cl. 7 4-84) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Mechanism for selectively converting continuous rotary motion into intermittent or continuous rotary motion or no motion, comprising a driving member rotatable about an axis, driven member independently rotatable about said axis, a six bar two pivot linkage for causing dwelling of the driven member with respect to the driving member in one position of the linkage and relative rotation of said members in another position of the linkage, the linkage including a rotatable drive link pivotally connected to the driving member at'an axis spaced from and parallel to the axis of the driving member, said link being longer than the distance between said parallel axes, signal means connected to the linkage for actuating the linkage from said one position to said other position and including a rotatable shaft connected to the drive link at its axis for actuating the drive link.

This invention relates to a rotary motion intermitter and more particularly to an intermitter which provides intermittent rotary motion from a source continually rotating.

The principal object of this invention is to provide an intermitter which operates on demand. Thus, it is desired to provide means which will translate continuous rotation to like continuous rotation, intermittent rotation, or continuous still motion. Another object is to provide such means in which the dwell is substantially one exact revolution. A further object is to provide such an intermitter in which the driving and driven members are coaxial. Other objects are to provide such means in a simple and economical embodiment which will not be unduly cumbersome.

In general this invention features a driving member rotatable about an axis. A linkage mechanism is connected to the driving member and is adapted to interconnect the driving member with a driven member rotatable about the same axis. The linkage is also adapted,

in one position thereof, to cause the driven membei to dwell relative to the driving member, therebycausing like rotation of the driving and driven members, and is adapt- 'ed for rotating the driven member in another position,

. tions.

Otherobjects, features and advantages of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof together with the accompanying drawings in'which:

,FIG. 1 is an isometric view partially broken away of i an intermitter according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevation of an alternate preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of elements of. the embodimentof FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the linkage utilized in the illustrated preferred embodiments of this I invention; i i

FIG. 5 is a view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view similar to that of FIG. 8 showing the apparatus in a different operative position;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12--12 of FIG. 10.

With reference now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the intermitter will be seen to comprise, first, a drive member 20, or housing, rotatable about an axis. In the illustrated embodiment housing 20 is fixed at end wall 22 to drive shaft 28 to which sheave 30 is in turn fastened. The sheave, shaft, and housing are driven by belt 32 on sheave 30.

A driven member, shaft 34, is freely journaled in the opposite end wall 26 of housing 20 for rotation relative thereto. Shaft 34 is coaxial with housing 20 and shaft 28.

Linkage means, generally designated 36, interconnect driven shaft 34 and drive member housing 20. Linkage means 36 is adapted for causing dwelling of shaft 34 relative to housing 20 in one position and for rotating shaft 34 relative to housing 20 in another position. There are several linkages which will perform this function but the preferred linkage, diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 4, is a so-called six bar, two pivot mechanism which periodically causes a dwell, i.e. relative stopping of a driven member, with a constant angular speed of a member driving the linkage.

The illustrated preferred six bar, two pivot linkage 36 includes a drive link 40 rotatable about a pivot at 41 and eccentrically positioned relative to the common axis of housing 20 and shaft 34. The pivot of rotatable link 40 is a shaft 41 journaled in an intermediate wall 24 of housing 20 and fixed to link 40. Link 40 has a length greater than the frame link 38 which is the distance between the axis of shaft 41 and that of the housing.

L-shaped link 42 is connected at one end at pivot 43 to drive link 40 and at the other end at pivot 47 to connecting link 48. Connecting link 48 is in turn connected at pivot 49 to driven link 52- which is fixed at its other end to driven shaft 34. Interconnecting link 50 connects L- link 42 and driven link 52 at respective intermediate pivots 45, 51.

The pivot opening 43 in drive link 40 may move along a circle with respect to the housing when the link is rotated about the axis of shaft 41. The corresponding pivot opening 43 in leg 44 of L-link 42, when disconnected from drive link 40, may move along a curve with respect to the housing 20 when driven shaft 34 and housing 20 are held stationary. A portion of the latter curve matches the circle described by pivot 43 of link 40 along an arc herein referred to as the matching arc. When the pin is in the pivot openings 43 and on said matching arc, the position of link 40 is referred to herein as being in a matching arc position.

The motion of such a linkage is such that as drive link 40 is rotated 360 at a constant angular speed about the axis of shaft 41, the entire linkage assembly 36 and driven shaft 34 likewise rotate 360. However, as the linkage 36 rotates, it also oscillates, resulting: in periodic acceleration, deceleration, and dwelling of shaft 34 once in each 360 cycle. The dwell occurs as drive link 40 enters the matched arc zone referred to above. As this zone is entered substantially no torque is transmitted to driven shaft 34.

Approximate proportions preferred for the various elements of linkage 36 are:

Frame link 38 1.000 Drive link 40 1.716 L-link 42:

Leg 44 to drive link 40 2.693

Leg 46 to connecting link 48 2.730 Connecting link 48 1.522 Interconnecting link 50 1.819 Driven link 52:

Leg 56 to driven shaft 34 0.851

Leg 58 to connecting link 48 1.522 Driven shaft 34 to connecting link 48 2.114

The proportions may be varied approximately however, the preferred relative dimensions result in a structure which has low rates of acceleration and deceleration thereby reducing undesirable dynamic properties frequently associated with such linkage mechanisms.

Signal means are also provided for actuating drive link 40. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, such signal means are provided by control shaft 60 which is freely journaled on the axis of sheave 30, drive shaft 28, and end wall 22 of housing 20. Gears 62, 64 on control shaft 60 and shaft 41 of rotatable link 40 mesh for coaction to rotate link 40 on rotation of control shaft 60.

In operation, belt 32 is driven to drive housing 20. Because of the eccentric position of shaft 41, it is carried with the housing and no torque is applied to drive link 40 about its axis. Thus, the entire linkage assembly 36 and driven shaft 34 tend to rotate with the housing. When the drive link 40 is in the matched arc zone, shaft 34 dwells relative to the housing 20 and therefore rotates therewith at an equal velocity. Shaft 34 and linkage 36 will remain in the dwell position despite loading of the shaft since in the matched arc position no appreciable force can be transmitted from shaft 34 to drive link 40 to move the link from the matched arc zone. Hence, without more, the driven shaft 34 will rotate at a velocity equal to that of drive member 20.

To cause intermittent motion of shaft 34, the signal means is actuated to rotate drive link 40 in direction counter to that of housing '20. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, an increment of rotation in the same direction as that of housing 20 is added to control shaft 60 resulting in counter rotation of shaft 41 and link 40. The increment of rotation added need only be limited to move drive link 40 out of the matched arc zone, as once out of the matched arc position the linkage mechanism will slip as a result of torque applied by loading of shaft 34. The slippage will occur for one revolution of housing 20 relative to shaft 34. When the matched arc zone is again reached, shaft 34 will accelerate and move with housing 20 until the signal means are again actuated. Shaft 34 may 'be maintained in a substantially motionless position by performing a series of slip revolutions by actuating the signal means each time drive link 40 approaches the matched arc zone. Thus on demand the drive of driven shaft 34 may be periodically interrupted or even stopped together regardless of the continuing rotation of drive member 20.

The alternate preferred embodiment of this invention shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5-12, inclusive, is essentially the same as that shown in FIG. 1. The linkage arrangement illustrated in FIG. 4 is shared in common in both embodiments although the specific shape of the links is different, FIG. 3. The common elements shown in the figures are numbered similarly except in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5-12 the numerals bear a prime designation.

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 20' and shaft 28, 34 arrangement of the alternate embodiment is virtually identical to that of the FIG. 1 embodiment. As for the links, the primary difference is that in the alternate form several are designed as circular discs rather than as classical link elements thus to improve their dynamic properties and strength. Thus in FIGS. 3 and 5 drive link 40 is a disc like element recessed in intermediate wall 24. As shown in FIG. 8, link 40' is supported eccentrically on shaft 41' journaled in bearing also in wall 24'. Shaft 41 also is supported at its end in bearing 72 in end wall 22' of housing 20. Driven link 52 in disc form is supported in bearing 74 concentrically of housing 20. Interconnecting link 50 in disc form is supported eccentrically in bearing 76 in driven link 52, FIGS. 3, 6, 7, 9, rotatable about pivot 51'. Interconnecting link 50' is slotted at 77 to permit pivot 49 to connect connecting link 48 and driven link 52'. L-link 42' is of generally triangular configuration. The pivot location and spacing is identical with that shown in FIG. 4.

The primary difference between the embodiments illustrated is in the signal means. A pneumatic system is utilized in the alternate embodiment rather than the simple mechanical system illustrated in FIG. 1. The pneumatic signal means illustrated includes tubular air passages 78, FIG. 9, passing axially through driven shaft 34 and driven link 52'. Air fed through passage 78 then moves through slot 77 in interconnecting link 50" to the interior of housing 20'. Passage 80 in intermediate wall 24, FIGS. 8 and 10, permits the air to enter the portion of housing 20' between walls 22, 24.

A piston 82 is provided between walls 22, 24 concentric of shaft 41', FIGS. 8 and 10. Threaded nut member 84 connected to piston 82 is positioned concentrically of shaft 41 engaging threaded screw member 86 also concentric of shaft 41'. Overrunnin-g clutch means 88 are provided, FIGS. 11 and 12, intermediate screw member 86 and shaft 41' for cooperative one way engagement therebetween. Dowel pins 90 extend from piston 82 and are provided with compression spring means 92 for returning piston 82 and nut member 84 to their initial position. The pins 90 may extend through wall 22' and be connected to a trigger plate 94, as in FIG. 8, which in turn is adapted to actuate switch 96.

To actuate drive link 40, air is fed through passages 77, 78 and 80 to piston 82. As pressure is raised, piston 82 moves toward wall 22 carrying with it nut member 84, FIG. 10. As nut 84 is moved, it rotates screw 86 which by the action of one-way clutch 88 likewise rotates shaft 41' and hence link 40, preferably about'120. As piston 82 moves, it also moves plate 94 which actuates switch 96 to shut off the air and release the pressure. When the pressure is released, piston 82, nut 84 and screw 86 are returned to their original positions by spring means 92. For the reasons already explained, shaft 41' continues to rotate about its axis and clutch 88 is disengaged, FIG. 12, after piston 82 reaches the limit of its movement.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments of this invention may be devised which are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A rotary motion intermitter comprising:

a driving member rotatable about an axis;

a driven member independently rotatable about said axis;

linkage means interconnecting said members adapted for causing dwelling of said driven member relative to said driving member in one position of said means and relative rotation of said members and slippage of said driven member relative to said driving member in another position of said means, said linkage means including a rotatable drive link pivotally connected to said driving member at an axis parallel to and spaced from said driving member axis, said link being of length greater than the distance between said parallel axes; and signal means connected to said linkage means for actuating said linkage means from said one position .to said other position, said signal means including a rotatable shaft connected to said drive link at its said axis for actuating said link;

whereby said intermitter is adapted on signaled demand to translate continuous rotation of said driving member to intermediate rotation of said driven member.

2. The intermitter claimed in claim 1 in which said linkage means is a six bar, two pivot linkage mechanism.

3. A rotary motion intermitter comprising:

a driving member rotatable about an axis;

a driven member independently rotatable about said axis;

six bar, two pivot linkage means interconnecting said members adapted for causing dwelling of said driven member relative to said driving member in one position of said means and relative rotation of said members and slippage of said driven member relative to said driving member in another position of said means, said linkage means including a rotatable drive link pivotally connected to said driving member at an axis parallel to and spaced from said driving member axis, said link being of length greater than the distance between said parallel axes; and

signal means connected to said linkage means for actuating said linkage means from said one position to said other position;

whereby said intermitter is adapted on signaled demand to translate continuous rotation of said driving member to intermittent rotation of said driven member.

4. A rotary motion intermitter comprising:

a driving member rotatable about an axis;

a driven member coaxially supported on said driving member independently rotatable about said axis; six bar, two pivot linkage means, interconnecting said driven member and said driving member, having a rotatable drive link connected to said driving member pivotally about an axis parallel to and spaced from said axis of said members, said rotatable link extending across said axis of said members during a portion of its rotation, said linkage means adapted for dwelling relative to said driving member when said drive link is in a matching arc position and for rotating said driven member relative to said driving member when said drive link is outside said matching arc; and

signal means connected to said rotatable link for selectively imparting counter rotation to said rotatable link, relative to said driving member, from said matching arc position to said non-matching arc;

whereby said intermitter is adapted on signaled demand to translate continuous rotation of said driving member to intermittent rotation of said driven member.

5. The intermitter claimed in claim 4 in which said signal means includes:

a rotatable shaft connected to said driving link at its said axis;

an independently rotatable shaft coaxially positioned of said driving member extending from a position external thereto to adjacent said driving link shaft; and

gear means interconnecting said shafts.

6. The intermitter claimed in claim. 4 in which said signal means includes:

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/1952 Overacker 74-63 FOREIGN PATENTS 9/ 1963 Canada. 3/ 1938 Great Britain.

MILTON KAUFMAN, Primary Examiner. 

1. A ROTARY MOTION INTERMITTER COMPRISING: A DRIVING MEMBER ROTATABLE ABOUT AN AXIS; A DRIVEN MEMBER INDEPENDENTLY ROTATABLE ABOUT SAID AXIS; LINKAGE MEANS INTERCONNECTING SAID MEMBERS ADAPTED FOR CAUSING DWELLING OF SAID DRIVEN MEMBER RELATIVE TO SAID DRIVING MEMBER IN ONE POSITION OF SAID MEANS AND RELATIVE ROTATION OF SAID MEMBERS AND SLIPPAGE OF SAID DRIVEN MEMBER RELATIVE TO SAID DRIVING MEMBER IN ANOTHER POSITION OF SAID MEANS, SAID LINKAGE MEANS INCLUDING A ROTATABLE DRIVE LINK PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO SAID DRIVING MEMBER AT AN AXIS PARALLEL TO AND SPACED FROM SAID DRIVING MEMBER AXIS, SAID LINK BEING OF LENGTH GREATER THAN THE DISTANCE BETWEEN SAID PARALLEL AXES; AND SIGNAL MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID LINKAGE MEANS FOR ACTUATING SAID LINKAGE MEANS FROM SAID ONE POSITION TO SAID OTHER POSITION, SAID SIGNAL MEANS INCLUDING A ROTATABLE SHAFT CONNECTED TO SAID DRIVE LINK AT ITS SAID AXIS FOR ACTUATING SAID LINK; WHEREBY SAID INTERMITTER IS ADAPTED ON SIGNALED DEMAND TO TRANSLATE CONTINUOUS ROTATION OF SAID DRIVING MEMBER TO INTERMEDIATE ROTATION OF SAID DRIVEN MEMBER. 